Pubdate: Tue, 13 May 2003
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300

BRAZILIAN POLICE KILLED IN WAR WITH DRUG BARONS

RIO DE JANEIRO - Ten police chiefs lost their jobs and two officers lost 
their lives yesterday in Brazil's spreading war with drug barons which has 
killed at least 100 in two weeks.

Turf battles that until recently took lives in the shanty towns around Rio 
de Janeiro have spilled over into the tourist city's neighbourhoods.

In the face of unprecedented drug-related violence, Rio de Janeiro's Public 
Safety Secretary, Anthony Garotinho, replaced 10 battalion commanders of 
the military police.

Garotinho announced on Saturday that the occupation of several shanty 
towns, controlled by drug kingpins and where the fighting is concentrated, 
would continue indefinitely.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth